5 PTAC Maintenance Tips To Extend Your Unit’s Lifespan

PTAC is an abbreviation that stands for packaged terminal air conditioners. These are usually present in healthcare facilities, hotels, offices, dormitories, and even nursing homes. A PTAC brings in more than just comfort to the people inside a facility or room. It can go as far as protecting the patients or residents in the healthcare or recreational facilities from the scorching heat.

Because of the vital role and the expense it entails to have one set up, it’s essential to take good care of your unit. This begins with getting informed on the units you can install and with understanding the differences between a PTAC heat pump vs electric heat. The more you know, the better you can take good care of whatever system you have at home or in your building.

With that said, here are some of the best PTAC maintenance tips so you can extend your unit’s lifespan:

Follow The Manufacturer’s Instructions and Have the Right PTAC Cleaning Equipment

To stay on the safe side of your PTAC maintenance all the time, it’s recommended to abide by the manufacturer’s instructions.

By doing so, you’d be sure that what you’re going to do to your unit is manufacturer-sanctioned. When you’re uncertain, leave the job to the experts.

Generally, most manufacturers recommend maintaining your unit at least once a year. If the area where the PTAC is located is in a dusty or corrosive environment, you have to do it more frequently, sometimes as often as quarterly.

As you maintain your PTAC, don’t just focus on the filter. Be sure to include the fans and drain passages, as these are some of the most vital parts that need a thorough cleaning.

Clean The PTAC Filters Monthly

While the maintenance of the unit can be done through an annual check, the filters should be cleaned monthly to ensure that clean air is blown in the room. The last thing you’ll want is for the room to be dirty, not because it wasn’t cleaned but because of the PTAC unit.

Here’s how to clean the filter:

• Turn off and unplug your PTAC unit;
• Remove the PTAC filters;
• Vacuum the dust accumulated on the PTAC filter;
• Throw any damaged filter;
• Clean the filters under running water;
• Return the clean filters to the PTAC unit.

Keep A PTAC Maintenance Log

As a part of your home, office, or business maintenance (if you’re running a hotel or a nursing home), it’s best to have a maintenance log for each of your equipment, and this includes your PTAC.

Don’t rely only on your memory as to what repairs have been done. Keeping a log doesn’t just ensure you’re up-to-date with the PTAC’s maintenance.

The maintenance log enables easy tracking of air conditioner problems and proper monitoring.

Clean The Room-Side Front Cover

Another part of your PTAC unit which needs cleaning monthly is the room-side front cover.

Doing so can put you in a position of preventing any dust and debris from collecting and settling. This makes for better sanitation and air quality in the room your unit is in.

Most importantly, the accumulation of dust on your PTAC may hamper its performance. That said, here’s how you can clean your PTAC unit’s room-side front cover:

• Turn off and unplug the PTAC unit;
• Detach the room-side front cover;
• Remove any dust and debris on the front cover using a vacuum or a brush;
• Clean the exterior with soap and water;
• Allow drying completely, then reattach the room-side front cover.

Pay Close Attention To Power Cords And Plugs

As you clean your PTAC unit, don’t turn a blind eye to the power cords and plugs. These need special attention too, so you can be sure they’re of top quality.

This is more of a safety issue; any spark in the power cords and plugs may lead to safety hazards. Ensure the plugs are in good condition to prevent fire and safety problems.

Conclusion

With these tips, you’ll know how to take care of your PTAC unit. It’s an advantage to have one at your home or establishment, but it can only function as well as it’s being maintained.

In closing, the most important insight to remember is if you’re unsure how to maintain your PTAC, don’t attempt a DIY. Otherwise, you may only do more harm.

The best thing you can do is to call in a professional. By doing so, you’re guaranteed a job well done, and your PTAC’s lifespan is maximized. Consider the ideas mentioned here as you check your unit.

Do you know how to extend the life of your air conditioner?